State Aging Agency
This agency has a wide range of services and referrals for seniors.
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
http://www.dads.state.tx.us/
512-438-3011
Local Area Aging Agencies can be found at the contacts above, or by visiting www.eldercare.gov or calling 800-677-1116.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP offers free, one-on-one, local counseling to people with Medicare and their families.
Health Information Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/consumer/cb045.html
800-252-9240
Local SHIP counselors can be found at the contact above, or by calling 800-677-1116, or visiting www.shiptalk.org or www.eldercare.gov.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The statewide ombudsman program investigates and resolves complaints of older individuals in nursing and board and care homes, including assisted living facilities, and advocates to protect residents’ rights and ensure quality care.
Center for Consumer and External Affairs
http://www.dads.state.tx.us/news_info/ombudsman/index.html
512-438-4356
State Insurance Commissioner
This office has information about insurance plans and costs. They often have special resources for seniors.
Texas Department of Insurance
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/
800-252-3439
State Medicaid Office
This office manages the state’s Medicaid program. They also handle Medicaid enrollment.
Texas Medicaid
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/Medicaid/
800-252-8263
State Prescription Assistance Program
A program to help you reduce the cost of your prescription drugs
Texas Kidney Health Program
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/kidney/about.shtm
800-222-3986
State Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Agency
This agency protects the legal rights of people with disabilities, including people on Medicaid.
Advocacy Inc.
http://www.advocacyinc.org/
800-252-9108
Access to Benefits Coalition Members
Coalition members educate and enroll people in different prescription drug programs, including Medicare. These independent local groups belong to a national network. The agencies below serve only the areas listed.
Dallas Area Agency on Aging
211 or 214-379-4636
Dallas County
Harris County Area Agency on Aging
713-794-9022
Harris County
Bexar Area Agency on Aging
210-362-5217
Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Kendall and Wilson Counties
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Office Outreach Campaign Manager
CMS Regional Offices play a key role in conducting outreach for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. Each office has a team dedicated to helping raise awareness and educate about the new coverage. Contact the regional campaign manager to learn more about local outreach events, schedule an event in your area or request outreach materials.
Region VI - Dallas
Campaign Manager: Julie Kennedy
214-767-3407
